What Causes Peach Leaf Curling?

The fungus Taphrina deformans causes the peach leaf curl disease, according to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources department. In the beginning stages of this disease, the peach tree leaves become red, curled, and may appear to have a bumpy growth on them. Eventually the bumps will change to a yellow color and then to a light grey color before the leaf falls off. Without treatment, the tree will probably not produce much fruit. Peach leaf curl can also affect nectarine trees.

Treatment

A fungicide application will help treat peach leaf curl. West Virginia University also recommends using extra nitrogen fertilizer, watering the tree adequately and removing the fruit to treat severe peach leaf curl.

Prevention

It’s easier to prevent peach leaf curl rather than treat it. To prevent, spray the tree with a fungicide in the fall once all the leaves have fallen off the tree and bees, which can be harmed by fungicides, are no longer active. In some areas, you may need to apply it again in early spring. A local nursery can help you choose the best fungicide for your tree and give further application advice based on your local climate.

About the Author

Lynn Anders has more than 15 years of professional experience working as a zookeeper, wildlife/environmental/conservation educator and in nonprofit pet rescue. Writing since 2007, her work has appeared on various websites, covering pet-related, environmental, financial and parenting topics. Anders has a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and biology from California State University, Sacramento.